2011 U.S. Open: Parking and Transportation

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You want to go to the U.S. Open at Congressional in Bethesda, but you have no idea where to park, what roads are closed or if public transportation is an option.

Well, we're here to help.

Keep this guide handy before you pack your sunscreen, silence your cell phone and head out the door.

First thing's first: parking!

“General spectators without a championship-specific parking pass should park in one of the designated spectator parking areas or use an alternative form of transportation such as Metro, buses, biking, or taxi service,” said Emil Wolanin, chief traffic engineer for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. “Traffic volumes in the vicinity of the club will be heavy, so utilizing the satellite parking system will be the fastest, most convenient way to get to the Open.”

General Spectator Parking, Montgomery County

All general spectators traveling by car should follow event trailblazing signs to parking, located off I-270 in Gaithersburg at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds and the Crown Farm property. The Crown Farm property is on Fields Road, south of Sam Eig Highway.

The USGA will operate about 180 shuttle buses from both parking areas daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The shuttles will run continuously and will drop off spectators in close proximity to the Main Admission Gate.

Parking assignments will vary depending on the day, so drivers are asked to follow the general spectator parking signage to the appropriate lot.

Monday and Tuesday (June 13-14): All general spectators will be directed to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds located off North Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg.

Wednesday through Sunday (June 15-19): Spectators traveling northbound on I-270 from the Capital Beltway will be directed to Crown Farm, south of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds will remain the preferred option for spectators traveling southbound on I-270.

Shuttle transportation from each lot should take approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

General Spectator Parking, Virginia

For championship spectators along I-95 and west of I-495 in Virginia, parking will be available in a reserved lot at Dulles International Airport. A parking pass will be required to use this parking option at Dulles. Any spectators in the local area or out-of-town spectators staying in Virginia should call the championship office prior to June 10 at 301-365-5500 to receive their parking passes.

Metro as Alternative

Spectators should take the Metro’s Red Line to the Grosvenor-Strathmore Station in Bethesda. The USGA’s designated transportation company, Transportation Management Services, Inc. (TMS), will provide shuttle service to and from the Hole Five admission gate. The shuttle bus ride should take approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Spectators MUST make a shuttle reservation in advance, for an additional cost, directly with TMS by visiting www.tms-llc.com/usopen/. For specific schedule and fare information, go to Metro’s website or call 202-637-7000.

Drop-off Options at Congressional

Local residents who wish to be dropped off at the championship should utilize the passenger, taxi or limousine drop-off, located at the Norwood School on Bradley Blvd. Vehicles (15-passenger and smaller) should access this area via the Capital Beltway (I-495), taking exit 39 (MD 190/River Rd.).

Vehicles will travel west on River Rd., turn right onto Seven Locks Rd. and make a subsequent left onto Bradley Blvd.. The passenger, taxi or limousine drop-off will not be accessible via River Rd. Norwood School will also serve as the designated site for bicycle parking.

Groups of spectators arriving at the championship by private coach bus or mini bus will not be allowed to access the passenger, taxi or limousine drop-off. They will be directed by law enforcement personnel to park at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, where U.S. Open shuttles will transport them to the championship.

Accessible Parking Spaces

There will be no general parking or parking for spectators with disabilities in the immediate vicinity of Congressional Country Club. Illegally parked vehicles will be subject to ticketing, fines and towing.

Accessible parking spaces will be available at all championship parking areas for vehicles displaying appropriate HP/DP license plates or placards. Individuals requiring lift-equipped transportation can receive additional information by contacting the championship office at 888-823-4465.

Traffic Impact on Local Roads

Due to U.S. Open parking, traffic delays can be expected during peak arrival and departure times (7-11 a.m. and 3:30-7:30 p.m.) in the immediate vicinity of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds and Crown Farm, including, but not limited to, the following locations: